OLE Gunnar Solskjaer would consider an offer to become the new Villa manager but has stressed he is happy to stay at Molde if there is no approach made.

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer would consider an offer to become the new Villa manager but has stressed he is happy to stay at Molde if there is no approach made.

The 39-year-old Norwegian held preliminary talks with Villa on Friday but has not yet received an offer to fill the vacant managerial post left by Alex McLeish.

Yesterday he faced reporters ahead of today’s clash with Sandnes Ulf and his future was the main talking-point of the short press conference.

But despite media reports suggesting otherwise, at no point did he turn down the prospect of managing the side that were nearly relegated from the Premier League this season.

“I have said for a long time that I have ambitions to be a Premier League manager, but I haven’t been chasing after any jobs,” he said to the Norwegian press.

“But in football and life in general things pop up and you must decide.

“It’s up to Aston Villa now. I have only had a chat with them and I expect them to speak to other candidates.

“I have a contract for two more years and I’ll deal with it.

“I have not received an offer, but if I do I have to consider it then. Now I’m just focused on doing my job here.”

Solskjaer has had instant success in his homeland as he guided the club where he first made a name for himself at to their first Norwegian championship in 100 years of existence.

His efforts and ambitions alerted Villa owner Randy Lerner, who arranged for his private jet to fly him over for talks in Birmingham on Friday.

Brief discussions were held and no offer was made as the claret and blue hierarchy plan to meet with other candidates before making a final decision. However, he is thought to be the man they want most.

The talks did cause controversy in Norway, though, as club sponsor Aker ASA, who have been involved with Molde for over 20 years, said it would be withdrawing its support for the club over Solskjaer’s visit to the Midlands.

“This is perceived as being incompatible with the Molde community, of which we are both a part,” Aker chairman Kjell Inge Rokke said in a statement announcing the end of a lucrative deal with the club.

The six-times Premier League winner did have some regret over the situation – but not about talking to Villa.

“I am sorry for the way it came out,” he added.

“But I would have spoken to them (Villa) anyway, even though it has turned out like this. I owe that to myself, my ambitions and my family.”